So on Mark and other's recommendation, I switched from StrongVPN to Private Internet Access this year, because it's like half the price. I use the VPN almost exclusively to geoshift so that I can consume content from Netflix, Amazon, ESPN, etc...as well as some websites that refuse to work from outside the US (the site I have my old cellular number parked with being one of them.)

Unfortunately, Netflix - which my kids use a ton - is blocking practically every ip address for Private Internet Access. Any of you guys know a way to get around this without changing VPN providers? A lot of people recommend ExpressVPN, which is even more expensive than the StrongVPN I was using successfully before. Not to mention I've already paid for the full year of PIA. Mark? Anyone?

Netflix is currently busy actively blocking entire ranges of all VPN providers. While ExpressVPN might still work for now, there is absolutely no guarantee for the future. It's a constant battle between Netflix and the VPN providers and most VPN providers have just given up.

Your best bet is indeed setting up a VPN server at a friend's home in the US. It's very unlikely Netflix is going to block that IP number.